Holiday return policies you need to know about

If you get a gift for Christmas or Hanukkah that you want to return, you should be aware of new return policies.

The day after Christmas is usually the busiest day for returns, so many people wait to take back items until the crowds have diminished. But don't wait too long, because several retailers have shortened their return windows.

Website Consumer World has a list of return policies from the biggest retailers here.

Some of the most notable: If you purchased premium electronics from Kohl's, but you've changed your mind, you must return them by Jan. 31 for a refund. That's a change from Kohl's usual policy that lets you return anything any time.

Drones are so popular this year that retailers have created a separate return policy for them. If you bought one at Target, you can't return it after 14 days. Walmart won't take drones back after 15 days, and Toys R Us gives customers up to 30 days to bring them back.

Marshalls and T.J. Maxx will accept returns until Jan. 23 for products purchased between Oct. 16 and Dec. 24. Sears gives customers until Jan. 31, but if something is damaged, you've got just 72 hours to report and return it.

If you received a computer or some other electronic item purchased at Staples, the store will take it back only  until Jan. 15.

When stores give 15 days or 30 days to return an item, most count those days from Dec. 26. If you are unsure, don't procrastinate. Get the gift back to the store to make sure you get its full return value.


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Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.